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Thomas Kurrus Obituary
March 21, 1941 ~ Feb 12, 2019
Thomas A. Kurrus died Tuesday, February 12, 2019, at home surrounded by family and friends after a 5-month battle with brain cancer.
Tom was born March 21, 1941, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Mable and Charles Kurrus. He was the youngest of 4 siblings and spent his childhood in Belleville, Illinois.
In 1958, Tom graduated from Belleville Township High School in Belleville, Illinois, where he met the love of his life, Sarah Grace Becker. Their first official date was the Junior Prom, although Tom was in love with her since their Freshman year of high school.
Tom went on to college at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, where he was the president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity, President of the Junior Class, a prominent member of the track team and captain of the tennis team. He graduated in May 1962 and married his long-time sweetheart, Sarah on June 23, 1962.
As a newlywed, Tom started medical school at the University of Illinois and graduated in 1966. During that time, he and Sarah had two children, Jeffrey Anton and Ellen Suzanne. To help provide for his family, he drove a bus for the Chicago Transit Authority and got lost along his route several times only to be rescued by an elderly woman who clearly knew the route better than he did.
Upon graduation, Tom did a one-year internship at University of Illinois Research and Education Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, before being drafted in 1967 during the Vietnam War. He became a Captain in the US Army in Fort Greely, Alaska, until 1969.
After his family's stay in Alaska, Tom finished his medical training at the University of Utah where he specialized in Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases. He went into private practice as an Infectious Disease Doctor and worked at St. Mark's Hospital for 43 years. Tom eventually became President of the Medical Staff (twice), Chief Medical Officer and served on the St. Mark's Hospital Board of Trustees for many years. Just before retirement, he took on an additional challenge and helped the hospital implement a digital records program called Epic.
Some of his other accomplishments include teaching about infectious diseases at The Veteran's Administration Hospital and the University of Utah, Hospital, writing a chapter on Meningitis in a medical text book and he was a founding member of the Rocky Mountain Pus Club.
Tom had a very sharp wit and was always joking and finding the humor in life. He was an incredible athlete and loved outdoor exercise. He held a firm belief that recreational equipment should never be included in the household budget - it should be in its own separate category. His numerous talents and hobbies include biking, skiing, golf, tennis, woodworking, playing the trumpet, gardening and his many animals. He was truly a jack of all trades and a Renaissance man.
Above all his accomplishments, Tom was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sarah; his son Jeffrey Kurrus (Stephanie Woolley) of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter Ellie Kurrus (Alastair Cairns) of Sag Harbor, NY; his 5 grandchildren; Sarah, Adam and Leah Jannetti; Andrew and Matthew Kurrus (mother Meg Lunt); sister Suzanne Smith of Placida, FL; brother Charles Kurrus of Belleville, IL; and his parrot Leroy; cat Meow; and two geese Ernie and Belle.
Tom had a special passion for the homeless - both humans and animals. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following causes that were important to Tom. Cathedral Church of St. Mark, www.stmarksutah.org ,The Road Home www.theroadhome.org or The Humane Society of Utah, www.utahhumane.org.
The funeral will be held at The Cathedral Church of St. Mark, 231 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, Utah, at 11:00AM, Saturday, February 16, 2019. A reception will immediately follow the service in the Dean's Hall on the Cathedral premises. Arrangements entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please share your photos and memories with the family at www.starksfuneral.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Kurrus
Sponsored by Starks Funeral Parlor.
David Paul Matthews
August 8, 2019
I am sadden to hear of the loss of Dr. Kurrus.
He, along with a team of other Doctors, quite literary, saved my life. I will be forever grateful.
My condolences to the loss of such a great man.
Rick Cunningham. Class 58
March 3, 2019
So sorry to hear the passing of Tom.We enjoyed 4 years playing tennis together at BTHS, and Tom was considered one of the boys of Sherwood Forest with Freddie Mertz and others.Freddie passed away a few months ago.Not many of us left. I have a wonderful story to share of Tom and I.During a tennis practice our Jr or sr year. Would love to hear from you.My telex number is 830-739-2468.
Patty Mavor Martello
February 25, 2019
I was so sorry to hear of Tom's illness and then his passing. I was in a bowling league with Tom and Sarah years ago and remember the end of season party at their beautiful home with the creek running through it and of all things pet geese! I am so sorry for the loss of this nice, kind man.
Wendy Campbell Street
February 25, 2019
My heart breaks reading this. Dr. Kurrus, you saved my husbands life more than once and I will be forever grateful. You were the provider to diagnosis him with a rare heart disease, endocarditis when multiple other physician told him he had the flu. Because of you he was able to be treated for this disease and recovered multiple times. Through my husbands short life you were our lifeline. We consulted with you on so many occasions throughout his care, we trusted you, we needed your expert direction and you were aggressive with his treatment, and did so in such a warm and loving way. Your word was everything to us and you took such good care of him. Because of you my husband and I enjoyed marriage for 18 years and two beautiful children. Unfortunately his heart was too weak after enduring 3 open heart surgeries and we lost him 3 years ago to sudden cardiac arrest. I thank you from the bottom of my heart as I know if Adam Campbell was still here he would as well. You were a brilliant man, amazing friend and will never be forgotten. God Speed to you,and sending love to your sweet family ❤
Laurie Grose Poulson
February 17, 2019
I just want to express my sympathy to the Kurrus family.
hattie
February 17, 2019
my condolences goes to your family for their loss. John 11:24,25.
Christy Wayman
February 16, 2019
Tom will truly be missed. It was such a pleasure to work with him for all those years, I always learned a lot from him. My condolences to your family.
February 16, 2019
I will always remember you as my Dads partner, his best friend and
memories from childhood to St. Marks. You were very brave during your passing. Rest in Peace good Doctor Tom Kurrus.
Len and Thalia Swinyer
February 16, 2019
Sarah and Family,
It's been our honor to be friends with you for more than 45 years. We so enjoyed Tom's wonderful sense of humor and great stories as well as professional care he had given to our patients over the years.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love
Len and Thalia Swinyer
Diane Roeder
February 16, 2019
You will truly be missed by all who's lives you touched. I always enjoyed your humor and light-heartedness. Your compassion for your patients was always so life affirming for me. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work for you and also to get to know you. All our prayers will be with the family in there time of loss
Renee Bunch
February 15, 2019
Every happy memory is a beautiful tribute to those we love.
Rest In Peace, you sweet man. You will be greatly missed.
Alice Colwell
February 15, 2019
I will always treasure the the time I shared with Dr Kurrus be it as one of his PT's post Bilateral Total Knees or sharing during Road Home fund raisers, or enjoying Jazz Concerts at the Capitol Theater. Both Tom and Sarah enriched my life just by being the people they are. My heart goes out to you Sarah and your Family.
Madeline Pappas-Coleman
February 15, 2019
I am so sadden about Tom's passing because this man will never be forgotten in my lifetime.
He always gave so much of himself. I worked with him at St. Marks for many years, with laughter each day, especially when we talked or had a funny experience with a Patient. The world lost a very special person, who lived to
keep people from suffering.
To his entire family my very deepest condolences to everyone. To Jeffery: Your dad taught you so well, so carry on his spirit, and caring.
Judy Barbuto+
February 15, 2019
Into paradise may the angels lead him. May light perpetual shine upon him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Darlene Erich
February 15, 2019
Sara was one of the first people who reached out to me when I moved to Utah and started at St Marks. Within my first couple months she had introduced me to Meg, Tom and Jeff. Tom took me under his wing and helped me navigate St Marks with his oh so witty personality we all adored. His zest for life was contagious and he figured out very quickly that retirement wasn't so bad after all. He will truly be missed.
Be the things you loved most about the people who are gone.
Sending much love and hugs.
Steve Parker
February 15, 2019
I worked closely with DrKurrus for many years at St Marks. I reported to him for several years, what a fine person he was. Always supported me in whatever I thought was a new route to follow at the hospital. He stood up for the ones that could not stand and speak for therselve. I never heard anyone say a cross word about him. RIP Tom... thank you !!
Steve Parker
Judy Dencker
February 15, 2019
Dr. Tom - gone way too soon - he will be missed so very much from this world.
Tom was the most kind doctor that I and my family had the pleasure to have a long professional relationship with.
Tom took care of my mother, making house calls (!! Yes) and having such a kind relationship with her that included honoring her by attending her funeral many years later.
Tom also cared for my father at the same time as Mom and I. We were all so fortunate to have such a talented and caring physician looking out for our well being. He was a friend and advocate.
I always cherished "going to see the doctor" when I had an appointment with Tom - always with the jokes and crazy stories!
When he announced he was retiring, it was one of the worst days of my life and despite his reassurance of finding a quality replacement, I'm still looking.
I treasure the memories and friendship!
Most sincere and deep sympathy to the family - your husband and father was truly a great man and will sorely missed by the medical community,his friends and patients.
God speed, Tom.
Bill and Jill Collage
February 15, 2019
Jill and I were lucky enough to share Tom's charm, wit and intellect on a few occasions over the years when he and Sarah visited Sag Harbor. More than anything, he made our friend Ellie and her family happy upon his arrival -- and the love they shared as a family was a source of joy and inspiration to us. We saw him just in September and enjoyed a long and funny conversation -- something we will miss. Condolences to Sarah and Ellie and the entire family. With sincerity and love, Bill and Jill Collage
charles larsen
February 15, 2019
Tom and I were the two best lefties at Hamilton Racquet Club. He was a great friend for years. He was my age and he went way to early.
Diane Naylor
February 15, 2019
Sarah and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He truly was one of my favorite docs at St. Mark's. I enjoyed working in his office decades ago as a young nurse, and always enjoyed his humor and admired his kindness and compassion in the many years since. Though I am unable to attend his funeral, my thoughts and prayers will be with you. He will always be a legacy and shining star in the medical community as well as in the hearts of friends and family. Again, my condolences to you all. He will forever be remembered with fondness and smiles.
February 15, 2019
Dear Sarah and family,So sorry to learn of Toms passing. He is such a wonderful physician with a great sense of humor. May your sweet memories of him carry you through this tough time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Paige Hunsaker RN
Antoinette France
February 14, 2019
I worked with Dr Kurrus and always admired his kindness, knowledge and spunk! I am sad to see him go.
MaryBeth Brooks
February 14, 2019
Dr Kurrus was a great person. He was always kind to me. Always. I was a new grad nurse and he treated me with goodness and respect. I loved working with him. He was a good human and made everyone feel valued. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. MaryBeth Brooks
Randi Sager
February 14, 2019
I am sorry for your loss. He was a very fine doctor and human being. I was his patient from 73 until he retired and always found him caring and knowledgeable and he had a really great laugh.
Randi Sager
Taylorsville
Debra Widmer
February 14, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Dr. Tom was one of the first people I met when I came to work at St.Mark's Hospital 28 years ago. I watched him care for his patients with great skill and compassion. I watched him care for every member of the St. Mark's family, lead and champion many patient safety initiatives. He lead with integrity, compassion and a healthy dose of humor.I am blessed to have known him, to have worked along side him. He will always be part of the heart and spirit of the St. Mark's family.
Laura Sharp Wilson
February 14, 2019
What a wonderful human and neighbor Tom was. Tom left too soon. It is clear his legacy lives through his amazon partner Sarah, family and so many friends and a magic cat!
Tammy Park
February 14, 2019
So sorry for your loss. Tom was a great colleague of the ER docs at St. Marks. I always appreciated his friendliness, wisdom, and humor. Condolences from all of us at St. Marks ED.
Kathy Polster
February 14, 2019
To Jeffrey Kurrus and family,
It is so hard to loose your Dad. He was such a talented Dad and his son follows suit. You was a special doctor to me.
Continue to remember all the good times with him and you will treasure them forever. God Bless You
Kathy P Polster
Beth Roybal
February 14, 2019
Rest in Peace Papa Kurrus...
You Will Be Deeply Missed
❤❤❤
George Furgis
February 14, 2019
Tom and Sarah will always be considered a couple to me.
They both have increased the quality of my life and have made me feel unique and important. With her wing man flying at a little higher altitude now, Sarah can no doubt have comfort knowing he will be watching out for her and the rest of us St. Marks hospital and the Kurrus name are synonymous with stewardship, healing, quality care and hope. Thank you Tom and Sarah for sharing your time and love; may Tom's memory be eternal.
February 14, 2019
"So sorry for your loss, Sarah. He was an amazing man and will be missed."- Mary Pinegar -retired volunteer
Suzy Applegarth
February 14, 2019
The world has lost a very special soul. Rest in peace, Papa Kurrus. You will always be in my thoughts.
Sarah, Tom spoke of you often. He loved you so much.
And, his stories of Leroy were why I got my bird. Tell Jeff Leroy cannot go in with his dad!
Tina Amthor
February 14, 2019
We are so sorry for your loss.
My family will always be grateful for the help he gave our families and especially our parents.
God be with you all.
The family of Ron and Norma Oliver
Steve Bateman
February 14, 2019
I am very grateful for the good Tom (Dr. Kurrus) did for me personally as well as professionally during our many years of working together at St. Mark's Hospital. Through his wisdom, experience, wit, and positive example, Tom taught me, as the Hospital's CEO, many valuable lessons and helped me avoid mistakes I would have made absent his wise counsel. Most of all, I am grateful for Tom's example of integrity and focus on people. Whether regarding his own patients, other patients in the Hospital, fellow physicians, Hospital employees and volunteers, his family, people without means, or others in need, Tom, in my view, was consistently a guardian and protector of others and of what is good and right. May God be with Tom and his loved ones.
Cheryl- Ongley Steggell
February 14, 2019
Dr. Kurrus was a wonderful man, he was my mom and dad's Dr. who was wonderful and very skilled with them. Thank you for all your services. Prayers to the family.
The Ongley's
Dave SPAINHOWER
February 14, 2019
Doc Kurrus was a living angel. When other doctors didn't have time to help my Dad, he welcomed him in. I was always very grateful for his kindness and compassion. He will continue to be a angel on this next journey Thank you
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